Section 4 Missouri Long-Arm Statute

• Library: Intellectual Prop 2004

The Missouri long-arm statute, § 506.500, RSMo 2000, has three provisions that are generally relevant in intellectual property cases. Those provisions provide for long-arm jurisdiction over a cause of action arising out of:

“(1) The transaction of any business within this state;

(2) The making of any contract within this state;

(3) The commission of a tortious act within this state.”

Section 506.500.1(1)–(3). Subject to the limitations of the due process clause, a federal court must interpret the forum state’s long-arm statute as would the courts of that state. Institutional Food Mktg. Assocs. v. Golden State Strawberries, Inc., 747 F.2d 448, 453 (8^th Cir. 1984). The “transaction of any business” provision is to be liberally construed. Aluminum Housewares...